6 Things to Think About When Buying New Appliances
One of the most exciting and enjoyable parts of home improvement is getting new appliances. It’s also one of the most important, since many of these appliances are essential for your comfort and safety. In short, you have to put on your “discerning consumer” hat and look at the practical aspects.
Below are some of the most important considerations to keep in mind so you can purchase the best appliances for your home:
Your Budget
The Timing
If you’re fond of online shopping, you’ve probably noticed the monthly sales and promos held by popular e-commerce sites. It’s usually a good idea to make purchases during these periods, due to the variety of discounts and offers from both the brands and the e-commerce sites themselves.
This simply means that if you want more discounts, it’s best to plan the timing of your purchases. For example, if you’re considering buying an air conditioner, you might want to check if there are summer promos. Meanwhile, there are usually big discounts on TVs during the Christmas season. If you time your appliance shopping right, you can save a lot of money!
The Brand
Admittedly, Filipinos are a brand-conscious bunch. This is not entirely about appearances, however. With a reputable brand, you can be sure that you’re getting a high-quality product and therefore more return on your investment.
Nevertheless, brand names aren’t everything when it comes to appliances. There are a lot of less well-known manufacturers that make durable products—all you need is a bit of research. Speaking of research, you should also take a look at the reviews of the brand and the specific appliances you want to buy. This way, you can set realistic expectations.
It’s also a good idea to check the brand’s customer service performance. Are they responsive to inquiries, especially with regards to tech support? What about their warranty coverage? These are some of the things you need to know about beforehand, so you won’t get stressed later on.
The Size
It’s important to get the right size of appliances, especially for large ones like refrigerators and washing machines. Make sure to account for the space allowance you need for proper airflow, cable management, and the like. If possible, allocate more than the recommendation (e.g., if it says you need to leave 5 inches between the back of the appliance and the wall, try to add an extra 1 or 2 inches).
You also have to consider how the appliance is going to get into your home. This is especially important if you live in a high-rise building. Will the appliance fit in the elevator? How about through the door of your home? Take note of the measurements so you won’t have any problems once the appliances arrive.
The Features
As mentioned, appliances can make your home life safer and more comfortable—provided that they have all the features you need. Make a checklist of all the features you need and then research product specifications online. If the situation allows, try to visit an appliance store in person so you can see the actual product.
It’s possible that there won’t be a product that will match all your needs completely, so be prepared to compromise.
Your Lifestyle
The features you need in an appliance will depend a lot on your lifestyle. For example, if you have a large family, then you’re probably going to need a big refrigerator. If you cook and bake a lot, a good stove is a must. If you have someone at home who has a respiratory disease, you might want to get an air conditioner with air purification capabilities.
To make the process even more straightforward, make a list of “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” The former are your non-negotiables, while the latter are just bonuses. Take a refrigerator, for example. Its main purpose is to keep your food fresh and beverages cool, so do you really need one that comes with a touch screen panel? By making a list of your needs and wants, you can save on costs and make the shopping experience smoother.
Happy shopping!